Monitoring PFAS in Water

Updated 1/1/2024

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used, long-lasting chemicals which break down very slowly over time. Most human exposure to PFAS chemicals, approximately 90 percent, comes from consumer goods – not drinking water. They have been commonly used for years in many products, such as nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most U.S. manufacturers voluntarily phased out uses of PFAS (such as PFOA and PFOS) in the mid-2000s. However, these chemicals remain in the environment due to the inability to break down, hence the term “forever chemicals.” Scientific studies have shown that long-term exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets Health Advisory Levels to the minimum concentration of a compound that may present health risks over a lifetime of exposure.

Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products as well as water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the globe.

PFAS Frequently Asked Questions:

How are PFAS regulated in drinking water?

While there are currently no regulatory limits for PFAS in drinking water, in June 2022, the EPA issued health advisories for water providers at 4 parts per quadrillion (or 0.004 ppt) for PFOA, and 20 parts per quadrillion (or 0.02 ppt) for PFOS. These are very low microscopic levels or trace amounts. For perspective, 4 parts per quadrillion is equivalent to four drops of water in 2,640 million gallons, or 4,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. These interim Health Advisory Levels are below reliable detection abilities of most current scientific equipment, which can currently detect PFAS compounds at approximately 2 parts per trillion.

The EPA published a draft rule for PFAS in March 2023, the draft rule sets the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS at 4 ppt. In addition, there are four additional PFAS compounds that will be regulated through a health index calculation. The final rule is anticipated to be published late 2023. Utilities across the U.S. with source water containing PFAS levels above the new MCLs will be required to implement new treatment processes, including upgrades to facilities and equipment, to meet the revised regulations.

What is Englewood Utilities doing to monitor and reduce PFAS levels in drinking water?

Englewood is proactively and voluntarily sampling for PFAS in our drinking water. While these chemicals are not currently regulated, the EPA has established health advisories and defined minimum reporting levels to raise awareness and ensure consistency in the information provided to the public.

In July 2024, the city will begin monitoring PFAS under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UMCR) in preparation for final EPA PFAS regulations, which are expected to take effect in 2026. All results of the UCMR testing will be provided to Englewood Utilities customers in the annual Consumer Confidence Report (water quality report) beginning in 2025.

The City of Englewood's Utilities Department has been awarded two grants from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, a total of $426,000, to address PFAS in the city's drinking water. These funds will be used to conduct a pilot study on PFAS treatment and to expand sampling and analysis of PFAS in the South Platte River watershed in 2024-2025.

Where can I learn more about PFAS?

Continue to check here for updates as the city partners with CDPHE and other metro-area utilities to assess PFAS levels in our source water and treated drinking water, conduct customer outreach, and take steps towards reducing PFAS levels.  

What are the health risks from PFAS?

Vulnerable populations, including children ages 0-5 years, and people who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, are more susceptible to health impacts caused by prolonged exposure to these chemicals.

The EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) have additional information and guidance on actions you can take to reduce your exposure to PFAS:

Current levels of PFAS in Englewood’s Drinking Water

View the February 2023 public notice that went out to Englewood Utilities customers.

The new Health Advisory Limits for PFAS (non-enforceable and non-regulatory) have an impact on thousands of water providers and private wells across the United States, including Englewood. The city has been proactive in PFAS monitoring since 2020.  While recent test results indicate PFAS levels in Englewood's water are now above the latest advisory levels (which recommend lower than detectable amounts), the City of Englewood continues to meet all Federal and State Primary Drinking Water Standards. The most current monitoring results for PFOA and PFOS are shown below: 

PFAS Samples Taken at the Allen Water Treatment Plant

PFAS Compound	September 2022 Samples	EPA Proposed MCL	EP Health Advisory Level*
PFOA	2.6 ppt	4 ppt	0.004 ppt
PFOS	1.9 ppt	4 ppt	0.02 ppt

*The EPA health advisory, as currently established, is below scientific detection limits. The Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) is currently ~2 ppt. EPA establishes MRLs to ensure consistency in the quality of the information reported to the agency and the public. Samples collected from our source water show that PFAS levels are below the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) identified by the proposed new drinking water regulation. More information about the new regulation is available here.

For Additional Questions and More Information:

If you have any questions or concerns about your tap water that were not answered here, please email utilities@englewoodco.gov or call 303-762-2635.

Upon request the city will make reasonable accommodations for alternative access to documents on this page. Submit the request here or call 303-762-2300.

City of Englewood, Colorado

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PFAS Frequently Asked Questions:

Current levels of PFAS in Englewood’s Drinking Water

For Additional Questions and More Information: